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てはいけません (Must Not)

[て-form]はいけません

Explanation

Prohibition - indicates something is not allowed.

Formation

て-form + はいけません

Examples

ここで写真を撮ってはいけません。
Koko de shashin o totte wa ikemasen.
You must not take photos here.
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触ってはいけません。
Sawatte wa ikemasen.
Don't touch.
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遅れてはいけません。
Okurete wa ikemasen.
You must not be late.
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Usage Notes

  • Strong prohibition
  • Often used for rules
  • Casual: ちゃダメ/じゃダメ
  • Softer: ないでください

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • は often pronounced わ in casual speech
  • This is prohibition, not advice
  • Different from ないほうがいい (shouldn't)

Related Grammar from "Verb Forms and Conjugations"

ます-form (Polite Present/Future)

[Verb Stem]ます

Polite form for present habitual actions or future intentions.

ました (Polite Past)

[Verb Stem]ました

Polite past tense form indicating completed actions.

ません (Polite Negative)

[Verb Stem]ません

Polite negative form for present/future.

More from "Verb Forms and Conjugations"